can us citizens visit cuba 2021

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Can Americans Travel to Cuba? [2024 Legal Cuba Travel Guide]

I’m an American citizen who travels to Cuba all the time, so “can Americans travel to Cuba?” is one of the questions I’m most frequently asked related to Cuba travel. While many Americans believe that Cuba is still “off-limits” to American citizens, this couldn’t be further from the truth; there are many ways to legally travel to Cuba for American citizens.

Want to travel to Cuba from the United States – as a U.S. citizen or otherwise? Our ultimate guide to Cuba travel for Americans will show you how, answering some of the most common questions about Cuba travel safety , Support for the Cuban People travel , and more.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our disclosure policy .

American Travel to Cuba

The short answer to the question “can Americans travel to Cuba” is YES, American citizens can travel to Cuba.

Non-U.S. citizens are allowed to travel to Cuba via the United States as well. American citizens can fly from the United States directly to Cuba, travel independently (no need for a group trip or guided trip here!), and enjoy Cuba just as they would any other travel destination.

The longer answer to the question “can Americans travel to Cuba” is that while legal travel to Cuba is entirely possible and even quite easy, there are some important regulations around American travel to Cuba that travelers should be aware of.

U.S.-Cuba Policy Changes

For years, U.S.-Cuba travel by citizens of the United States has been restricted in many ways. In 2014, President Obama announced a new way forward in the relationship between the United States and Cuba, including lifting many of the travel restrictions that made it quite challenging for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba.

While the subsequent Trump and Biden administrations have made slight changes to Obama’s new policies, Obama’s new Cuba policies remain mostly intact. Americans can still travel to Cuba more easily than they’ve been able to in decades .

Cuba Travel 101

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Ultimate Cuba Travel Guide – A Local’s Advice for Travelers

Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

Here’s why so many travelers ask us, “can Americans travel to Cuba?” – because Americans are still not able to legally travel to Cuba purely as “tourists.” Americans must still have a “reason” for traveling to Cuba.

Currently, the U.S. government doesn’t allow American citizens to Cuba as tourists. However, the U.S. government allows American citizens to travel to Cuba so long as they support local, non-government-owned businesses while in Cuba.

Essentially, yes, you can visit Cuba and travel exactly as you would anywhere else. Just avoid government-run hotels, restaurants, and tours while you’re there. This is actually incredibly easy, as all the best things to do in Cuba and the best places to visit in Cuba are local anyway!

So why might it feel like Americans can’t travel to Cuba (when it’s actually quite easy to travel to Cuba)? Americans must give a “reason” for traveling to Cuba – usually when purchasing an airline ticket or booking a hotel room.

How Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

You’ll probably need to check a box when purchasing your airline ticket asking for your “reason” for traveling to Cuba. No need to get nervous; this is easy – by stating that your trip to Cuba is in “ Support for the Cuban People ,” you’re simply acknowledging that while in Cuba, you won’t be staying at government-run hotels and the like.

It’s really that easy. Check a box on a form, and travel to Cuba.

Former President Obama’s policy changes towards travel to Cuba made this possible by creating 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba , travel that is permitted by the U.S. government for American citizens looking to travel to Cuba. Now it’s as easy as checking a box and booking your airline ticket!

Best Places To Stay in Havana

Casa Giraldilla ($)
Casa Flamboyan ($ – $$)
Residencia Santa Clara ($$)
El Candil Boutique Hotel ($$ – $$$)
La Reserva Vedado ($$$)

12 Categories of Authorized Travel to Cuba

Now when traveling to Cuba, you simply choose one of these twelve categories of authorized travel to Cuba that applies to your trip. Most travelers’ trips fall under the Support for the Cuban People category of authorized travel, which allows for travel to Cuba so long as it supports local businesses.

These are the Twelve Authorized Categories of travel to Cuba:

Family visits
Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and international organizations;
Journalistic activity;
Professional research and professional meetings;
Educational activities;
Religious activities;
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions;
Support for the Cuban People ;
Humanitarian projects;
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes;
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials;
Certain export transactions.

When you book your airline ticket to Cuba or book your accommodations in Cuba in advance, you may be asked your “reason” for traveling to Cuba. It’s as simple as stating “Support for the Cuban People.”

Read More: Support for the Cuban People Travel Guide

Support for the Cuban People

Most travelers looking to experience Cuba need to only offer “ Support for the Cuban People ” as their “reason” for traveling to Cuba. When you do this, it means you’re saying to the U.S. government that you acknowledge that you’re planning to spend your travel dollars with local, non-government-run businesses while you’re in Cuba – that’s it!

This is stuff that you’d be doing on a trip to Cuba anyway – which is what makes it so easy to travel normally this way.

Stay at a casa particular (room for rent or apartment for rent owned by a Cuban, Airbnb style) or a small boutique hotel, meet up with local guides, eat at any of the innovative new restaurants around the island , or experience Cuba from a local’s eyes. This is all permitted and encouraged on a “Support for the Cuban People” trip.

Travel Insurance

Cuba requires that all travelers have proof of a comprehensive travel insurance policy in order to enter the country. Check out our guide to travel insurance for Cuba for more details. We recommend these brands for Cuba travel insurance:

Visitors Coverage : Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries, though not currently available to residents of New York and Maryland in the United States.
Insubuy : Coverage for Cuba travel available to citizens of all countries and states of the United States.

Regulations on American Travel to Cuba

While many continue to ask, “ can Americans travel to Cuba ?” – one of our most frequently asked questions on this website! – the answer is yes, and with these new regulations, it’s easier than ever.

However, keep in mind that some travel regulations put in place by the U.S. government still apply to American travelers visiting Cuba. These include:

American citizens are no longer able to bring rum or cigars back from Cuba ;
American citizens are now prohibited (by the U.S. government – not the Cuban government) from staying at a variety of hotels in Cuba ;
Some methods of traveling to Cuba, such as “ people to people Cuba ” travel organized tours and the ability to travel to Cuba by cruise, have been scaled back or eliminated.

Read on for some of the regulations on travel to Cuba that Americans should be aware of during their trip.

Restricted Hotels in Cuba

One of the newer travel restrictions for Americans traveling to Cuba relates to places where American citizens are not allowed to stay while visiting Cuba. The Trump Administration developed a list of specific hotels and guesthouses that are either partially or entirely owned by the Cuban government and declared them off-limits to American travelers.

Check out the full list here before you book your accommodations in Cuba.

Some newspapers and websites have been incorrectly reporting that Americans are not allowed to stay in any hotel in Cuba, but this is not actually the case. Americans are just prohibited from staying in certain hotels that are owned entirely or partially by the Cuban government.

There are many boutique hotels with private ownership where Americans are still able to stay, plus private rentals called “casas particulares” or private home rentals like Airbnbs. In fact, some of our favorite hotels in Havana and around the country are still open and ready for business for American travelers ( La Reserva Vedado , La Rosa de Ortega , El Candil Boutique Hotel , and plenty of other Old Havana hotels are among our favorites in the capital).

Financial Restrictions in Cuba

It’s very important that American travelers to Cuba be aware of the financial and banking restrictions they will experience while traveling in Cuba. Because of the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba, American debit cards and credit cards will not work on the island as they do for those traveling from any other country .

That means that while American citizens can travel to Cuba, they can’t access their money from Cuba. This is quite important, as it means that if plan to travel to Cuba, you need to plan ahead and bring the money you’ll need for your trip with you in cash .

You can bring American dollars and convert them into Cuban pesos once you arrive in Cuba. Please read our complete Cuban currency guide before doing this – you’ll see why it’s not wise to exchange your money for Cuban pesos at the airport, for example, and learn how much money to bring with you on your trip to Cuba.

Internet Restrictions in Cuba

There are no internet restrictions in Cuba that are specific to American travelers. However, it’s important to be aware of some important internet-related challenges in Cuba.

We get a lot of questions about whether there is internet access in Cuba , and if there is, if it’s safe to use or restricted by the government.

While the internet in Cuba is slower than you may be used to, it is now quite widespread and is pretty easy to use in most places in Cuba. Some websites are blocked in Cuba , and there have even been widespread internet outages during times of social unrest, though these blockages have mostly been of news websites that have been critical of the Cuban government.

However, the United States embargo of Cuba and the related financial and economic restrictions on U.S. companies doing business in Cuba means that some companies can’t offer their services to internet users in Cuba (notably, PayPal and many other banking apps, but the list changes) . You will not be able to access these websites from Cuba.

You can easily get around this if you want by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in Cuba . We recommend NordVPN – it’s by far the best VPN to use in Cuba But, even without a VPN, you can still use the internet in Cuba without too much of a hassle.

Read More: How To Use the Internet in Cuba: A Local’s Guide For Travelers

Packing Restrictions in Cuba

There are some limitations worth noting about what you can bring into Cuba. While most are quite obvious – the usual dangerous substances and the like – there are a few rules for packing for Cuba , both for travelers from the United States and elsewhere :

Travelers can not bring drones to Cuba
Travelers can not bring devices like walkie-talkies, satellite phones, or GPS devices. Any personal computers, cell phones, cameras, or any other devices you normally travel with are absolutely fine – no worries here.
Avoid bringing any literature to Cuba that may be seen as critical of the Cuban government. My brother was once held up in customs for bringing a university textbook with Donald Trump on the cover.

What to Pack for Cuba

Check out our Ultimate Cuba Packing List to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Cuba and what we never travel without.

American Travel to Cuba – Frequently Asked Questions

Can americans fly to cuba.

Yes – Americans can fly to Cuba! American citizens can fly to Cuba either from the United States directly or from other countries. Flights to Cuba leave regularly from many of America’s largest cities like Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta, and New York.

We frequently get the “can Americans fly to Cuba?” question because when travel to Cuba was more restricted, many Americans used to fly to Cuba through Canada or Mexico as a way to skirt travel restrictions .

However, flying to Cuba via another country like Mexico or Canada is no longer a necessity. Obama’s Cuba policy changes allowed many more American citizens to travel to Cuba much more easily, kicking off many more flights to Cuba from the United States.

Do Americans Have to Travel to Cuba With A Group?

One of the most popular ways to travel to Cuba prior to the Cuba travel policy changes of former President Obama was with a “people-to-people” group or as part of an educational tour. However, with the ease of traveling to Cuba from the United States now, these group travel to Cuba experiences are no longer a necessity to visit the island.

While there are groups that travel to Cuba and tout the ease of traveling to Cuba by purchasing a spot on a group trip doing so, it isn’t necessary to travel to Cuba with a group . Feel free to travel to Cuba with a group if this is your preferred style of travel – or plan your trip to Cuba independently, too!

Looking for some engaging tours in Cuba, ways to meet up with local guides, or fun activities and excursions in Cuba? We recommend Civitatis , a fantastic company we’ve used countless times before that runs tours with local guides all around Cuba.

Is Cuba Safe for Americans?

While Cuba isn’t crime free, Cuba is a safe travel destination for all travelers, including American travelers. Statistics prove Cuba is quite a safe destination for travelers, and my own experience exploring Cuba, even as a solo female traveler, confirms it.

In all my years of visiting Cuba, I’ve never been met with anything other than curiosity when people leave I’m from the United States. While many Cubans disapprove of the government of the United States, I’ve never met a single Cuban who holds this against the average American citizen.

Overall, Cuba is safe for Americans , and as a traveler, you have absolutely nothing to fear while visiting.

Travel Essential

Don’t think about traveling to Cuba without a good VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers. We’ve used NordVPN for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, especially in Cuba.

American Embassy in Cuba

Part of the policy changes of former President Obama in 2014 paved the way for reopening the United States Embassy in Cuba after nearly 60 years of closure. The American Embassy in Cuba offers emergency services to American citizens traveling in Cuba, including assistance with lost passports, registering births abroad, and more.

Located prominently along the Malecón sea wall in central Havana, the American Embassy in Cuba is currently providing services to American citizens and has just started providing limited services to Cuban citizens seeking visas to the United States.

As a U.S. traveler to Cuba, you should save the address and contact information for the embassy just in case you need it:

U.S. Embassy Havana Malecón, Calzada between L & M, Vedado Havana, Cuba Phone: (53)(7) 839-4100

Travel to Cuba

There are so many things to do in Cuba – much more than laying on the beach and riding in old, classic American cars.

Anything from taking a guided tour of Havana to eating at a restaurant operated as a small business or taking salsa classes are ways to enjoy Cuba. And guess what – all of these things are perfectly legal – and welcome! – when you travel to Cuba as part of a Support for the Cuban People trip.

For more travel ideas, we put together a guide to the top ten activities in Cuba for a Support for the Cuban People trip with our favorite ideas for a fantastic trip! Go ahead – get started planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cuba! As always, we’ll be here to help you get started.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Home to Havana and Explorers Away. She is a serial expat and traveler, having visited 40+ countries and counting. Carley has written for publications like Travel + Leisure, MSN, Associated Press, Weather Channel, Wealth of Geeks, and more. Find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

Yes, Americans Can Still Travel to Cuba. Here’s How

Is it legal for u.s. citizens to travel to cuba what types of travel can they take and what are cuba tourist cards here’s what you need to know about visiting cuba..

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A classic 1950s car outside row of two- and three-story pastel-colored buildings

Havana, Cuba’s capital city, is known for its vintage cars and historic architecture.

Courtesy of Spencer Everett/Unsplash

Cuba is a beautiful Caribbean island with a complex history and rich culture. But for decades, it’s been just beyond the reach of many Americans. In addition to several difficult years involving devastating hurricanes, pandemic-era travel restrictions, ever-changing U.S. State Department travel advisories, and frequently updated trade and tourism regulations , it’s not surprising that many Americans may be confused about whether and how U.S. travelers can legally visit Cuba .

As of early 2024, the short answer is: Yes, you can travel to Cuba as a U.S. citizen. There are, however, some hoops you’ll need to jump through, because (technically speaking) travel to Cuba for pure vacationing isn’t allowed. For U.S. citizens interested in planning a trip to Cuba, here’s what you need to know before you go.

Can you travel to Cuba?

The relationship between the United States and Cuba has been tumultuous, to say the least. Following the Cuban Revolution during the 1950s and the subsequent rise of Fidel Castro’s regime, diplomatic ties between the two nations deteriorated rapidly. In 1960, the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, effectively severing most economic and political connections.

In the time since, travel between the two countries has been heavily restricted by the U.S. government, which has implemented various policies to discourage or prohibit its citizens from visiting Cuba. Making matters more complex, those policies often changed with each presidential administration. The island nation was more accessible during the Carter, Clinton, and Obama years and more closed off during the G.W. Bush and Trump years.

In 2014, it became significantly easier for Americans to visit Cuba after President Obama announced a series of measures aimed at normalizing diplomatic ties and loosening travel restrictions to allow Americans to visit for certain purposes (more on that later). Additionally, in 2016, commercial flights between the United States and Cuba resumed for the first time in more than half a century.

However, the Trump administration made it significantly harder to visit Cuba. During his time in office, President Trump enacted more than 200 measures against Cuba , which included limiting what Cuban airports flights from the U.S. could fly into, banning cruises from stopping in Cuba, and eliminating the most common visa category under which U.S. citizens planned legal visits to Cuba (known as “people-to-people” travel).

Then in May 2022, President Biden’s administration announced it would undo many of the Cuba-related restrictions enacted under Trump and would work on expanding authorized travel. Under the new order, regular passenger and charter airplanes are again allowed to fly to any Cuban airport (and airlines announced new flight paths ). And officials said that the “people-to-people” category of travel, under which many tours and organized travel companies bring U.S. travelers to Cuba, will ultimately return, though there is no timeline on when that will happen.

Several musicians on the street in Cuba in front of a turquoise building

Cuba’s music scene is also a big draw.

Photo by Shutterstock

How to travel to Cuba as an American citizen

U.S. law states that those who want to go to Cuba need to qualify for a “general license” based on one of 12 approved categories.

The 12 categories currently authorized by U.S. government, for travel to Cuba are:

Family visits
Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
Journalistic activity
Professional research and professional meetings
Educational activities
Religious activities
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
Support for the Cuban people
Humanitarian projects
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
Certain authorized export transactions

Licenses are self-qualifying, meaning that when you purchase your airline ticket, you’ll be asked to state your category in a signed affidavit before checkout.

When former President Obama first eased travel restrictions to Cuba , the move allowed leisure travelers to pursue self-led trips under the “people-to-people” educational activities category. Today, the “support for the Cuban people” category is the most popular because it’s the broadest.

What the “support for the Cuban people” license entails

To adhere to the requirements for independent travel under “support for the Cuban people,” travelers must first declare the category (when prompted) while booking flights and lodging. As part of the license, travelers are also expected to prepare an itinerary outlining how their trip will fulfill the category’s terms and contribute to Cuba’s local economy. (This itinerary could be—but isn’t always—requested on arrival to the country.)

An appropriate “support for the Cuban people” itinerary could including staying in casa particulares (locally run guesthouses), visiting Cuban-owned businesses, going on tours (like classic car rides or architecture walking tours) run by Cubans, visiting independent museums and galleries, partaking in cultural dance and music classes, and eating at locally owned restaurants and markets. (For specific recommendations and local resources, check out AFAR’s Cuba Travel Guide .)

Travelers can visit independently under that category, though it’s important you keep a record of your itinerary and your receipts: The U.S. government can ask for them up to five years after the trip.

Can you still travel to Cuba with organized tour operators?

Even though the Trump administration’s tightened restrictions on travel to Cuba prohibited organized “people-to-people” tours entirely, many tour companies have switched their approach to adhere to the “support for the Cuban people” license, according to Tom Popper, president of U.S.-based tour operator InsightCuba . Other tour providers that offer “people-to-people” trips, such as GeoEx Adventure Travel , Flash Pack , Intrepid Travel, and G Adventures, have similarly transitioned their program itineraries in order to offer legal trips to Cuba that comply with the regulations.

Challenges and considerations for travel to Cuba

Despite the easing of restrictions, traveling to Cuba as an American still presents some challenges. For example, there are limited banking services available to U.S. visitors, and American credit and debit cards are not typically accepted (as noted on the website for the U.S. embassy in Cuba ), so it’s important to bring plenty of cash. Similarly, internet access in Cuba is limited —expect connections to be patchy .

How to get a Cuba Tourist Card

The terms Cuba Tourist Cards and Cuban visas are sometimes used interchangeably.

Courtesy of Easy Tourist Card

Regardless of the license under which you travel to Cuba, you’ll still need to organize a few important documents before you go.

The Cuban government requires that all travelers entering the country provide a valid passport and proof of travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation by air. In addition, all U.S. travelers—adults, children, and infants—must purchase a Cuba Tourist Card , which grants visitors a maximum stay of 30 days on the island. Tourist Cards are valid for 180 days after purchase, which means you will need to travel within six months of obtaining the document. Note that the terms Cuba Tourist Card and Cuban visa are sometimes used interchangeably; they’re the same thing.

There are several ways to buy a Cuba Tourist Card: Many U.S. airlines with direct service to Havana—among them United Airlines , JetBlue , American Airlines , Delta , and Southwest —offer Tourist Cards either online or at the gate; prices and purchase locations vary among carriers, so it’s important to check in advance.

Websites like Easy Tourist Card allow travelers to apply for and purchase Tourist Cards online with two-day international shipping. Those who plan to fly to Havana directly from the United States will need to purchase a pink Tourist Card at a rate of $100, while those departing from non-U.S. airports can purchase a green Tourist Card for $37, even with a U.S. passport.

“U.S. travelers should note that travel to Cuba has been regulated since 1963 and has changed under each presidential administration since that time,” states Popper of InsightCuba. “Cuba travel has always been a hot political topic, and you never know when the rules are going to change. I always tell people to go now—while you can.”

This article was originally published in 2018. It was most recently updated on March 21, 2024, to include current information.

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Getting Around

Entry to Cuba: Visas & Travel Requirements

Traffic by the Capitol building, Havana

Photo: Shutterstock

Stay updated with the latest travel information for your trip to Cuba!

Embarking on a journey to Cuba? Here's your guide to the latest visa requirements and travel protocols. Whether you're coming from North America, Europe, or elsewhere, we've got you covered.

Cuba visa application form

What are the visa and entry requirements to Cuba?

US Citizens

Planning a trip to Cuba as a US citizen? There are special regulations you need to be aware of. While tourism trips to Cuba aren't yet authorized, general licenses have been issued for a variety of travel categories. If you meet the requirements of the general license under which they plan to travel, you won't need to apply for another permit from the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Treasury Department) for your trip.

However, it's important to note that the US Embassy in Havana and the State Department in Washington D.C do not process visa applications for trips to Cuba. If you need to apply for a visa or have any questions regarding your specific case, you should contact the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C.

And remember, certain activities may not be allowed, so it's best to check with the US embassy for information on organizations or businesses in Cuba that U.S. citizens are not allowed to engage with due to economic sanctions or other legal restrictions.

Canadian Citizens

As a Canadian citizen, you'll need a valid passport for the duration of your stay in Cuba. Make sure your passport's expiration date isn't near to avoid any travel hiccups. Depending on your trip's purpose, you may need different types of visas. If you're traveling as a tourist, you'll need a tourist visa, which can be obtained from tour operators, airlines, or a Cuban government office in Canada.

European Citizens

If you're a European citizen planning to travel to Cuba, remember that visa protocols can vary depending on your country of residence. For most European citizens, a valid passport is required during your stay in Cuba. Some countries, like Spain, require the passport to be valid for at least 6 months.

It's also important to note that if you plan to travel to the United States after visiting Cuba, you'll need a visa. This is because the electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA) is not sufficient for those who have traveled to Cuba before. This visa must be obtained at the Consulate General of the US Embassy in your place of residence.

Given the varying requirements, it's a good idea to contact your tour operator or travel agency to understand the specific visa requirements for your travel.

Latin American Citizens

For Latin American citizens, a valid passport is required during your stay in Cuba. You'll also need to obtain a tourist visa or tourist card for your trip. This can be processed at tourism agencies or airlines, which usually handle its issuance.

The visa is generally issued for about 90 days and can then be extended. It's also important to note that you should have travel insurance with medical coverage.

Visa Costs: What to Expect

Visa costs can vary depending on where it's issued. Generally, prices range between $20 and $80. If you apply online, additional charges may apply, and prices can range from $110 to $150.

Jose Marti International Airport in Havana

What items can I bring to Cuba?

When packing for your trip to Cuba, you can bring personal effects, including personal phones and computers, free of charge. The range of objects you can bring to Cuba is quite wide, from musical instruments to televisions. However, some items may be subject to charges depending on Customs regulations.

Some items can be brought into the country without having to pay any import taxes. These include used personal objects, art and literature books, music discs, manufactured pharmaceutical products, and wheelchairs, among others.

However, it's crucial to be aware of prohibited items. While some of these, like explosives, drugs and narcotics, and blood derivatives, may seem obvious, others might surprise you. For instance, literature, articles or objects that are considered obscene, pornographic or that attack the general interests of the nation are also prohibited.

If you attempt to bring into the country articles that are not allowed for import, the General Customs of Cuba can exercise administrative sanctions. This means that Customs can seize those imported articles whose entry is prohibited in Cuba, as well as products that have been entered with a fraudulent declaration.

Travelers on a beach in Varadero

Photo: Unsplash

Health and Vaccinations

Before you embark on your journey to Cuba, it's important to ensure you're up to date with routine vaccines. This includes vaccines against chickenpox, tetanus, influenza, rubella, and polio. In the current climate, being vaccinated against COVID-19 is also essential.

Additionally, consider getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. If your trip to Cuba includes exploring nature or venturing into rural areas away from the city center for activities such as outdoor camping, the rabies vaccine is also recommended. Travelers are also advised to consider the typhus vaccine.

Can I bring my pet to Cuba?

If you're planning to bring your pet to Cuba, there are a few requirements you need to meet. Make sure your pet has the necessary vaccines and an official health certificate. You'll also need to request a travel certificate for your pet from the Consulate or Embassy of Cuba in your country.

Written by Teresita Padrón .

Published July 2023.

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Cuba Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 5, 2024, cuba - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to crime information.

Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to crime .

Country Summary: Petty crime is a threat for tourists in Cuba. Also, violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, sometimes occurs in Cuba.

Travel outside of the Havana area for U.S. Embassy employees requires a special notification process which may affect the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Cuba.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Cuba.

If you decide to travel to Cuba:

Be aware of your surroundings.
Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad:

Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
Review the Country Security Report for Cuba.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Travel Advisory Levels

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20 things to know before visiting Cuba

Jan 5, 2024 • 8 min read

Be ready for your visit to Cuba with these top tips on what to expect © Westend61 / Getty Images

To a first-time traveler, Cuba can seem like a confusing jigsaw puzzle, particularly if you’re breaking free of the resorts and traveling around on your own.

The Spanish spoken here is fast and hard to decipher, many streets have two different names and the country’s fickle and highly complicated monetary situation could fill its own guidebook.

To help you be prepared, here is everything you need to know before planning a trip to Cuba.

1. Double-check your insurance

You are required to have medical insurance to visit Cuba and will need to bring digital or printed proof of your policy. Random checks are made at the airport. If you arrive without insurance, you’ll be asked to buy a Cuban policy at the airport for US$30.

2. Fill out your passenger information in advance

Cuba uses an online form called D’Viajeros to gather traveler information, including immigration and health data, in advance of travel. Fill out the form digitally up to 72 hours before your arrival in Cuba.

Friends sit on a coastal wall with their legs dangling over the sea and pose for a selfie

3. Every visitor needs a tourist card

To enter Cuba, all visitors need to present a completed tourist card . It’s usually available through your airline (ask when booking) and included in the price of your ticket.

If not, you can purchase one through a Cuban travel agency. Costs range from US$50 to US$85. Citizens of 20 African and Asian countries require a formal visa to enter Cuba. Check the situation for your country before booking.

4. Cash and currency: it’s complicated!

Money in Cuba is confusing, even to Cubans . Since the country abolished convertibles (CUC) in January 2021 and took the US dollar out of circulation in June 2021, there has been massive inflation and the emergence of a rampant black market. The knock-on effect is a bewildering dual economy.

The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP), but foreign currencies are also widely accepted, especially by private businesses who need hard cash to buy non-rationed goods in MLC (freely convertible currency) shops.

State-run enterprises and banks use official exchange rates. However, the prices of the superior services offered by private businesses generally reflect black market exchange rates.

Hence a main dish in a private restaurant in Havana will cost around CUP$500 (US$21). That’s an expensive meal if you’re paying in pesos bought from a Cuban bank.

However, most private restaurants will also accept payment in euros using a more favorable exchange rate. Some will even have a separate menu with prices printed in euros.

When buying something from a private business – be it a restaurant, casa particular (private accommodation) or taxi service – it’s usually best to pay in a foreign currency. Always ask upfront what currencies they accept and what exchange rate they use for their published peso prices.

Euros is the most interchangeable currency and the one preferred by Cubans. You can also use and exchange Canadian dollars and pound sterling.

US dollars still circulate on the black market, but we don’t recommend bringing them. The best bet, when you arrive, is to keep most of your money in a foreign currency and only change small amounts into pesos for incidentals like museum entry, concert tickets and tips.

5. MLC is a currency with no cash form

The Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC) is a currency approved by the Cuban government in 2020 that can be used in certain shops to buy higher-end goods.

The currency doesn’t exist as cash and its value is pegged with the US dollar. It’s used mainly by Cubans with special magnetic cards.

Tourists needn’t worry too much about MLC$, although prices will sometimes be displayed in the currency in state-run enterprises such as cigar shops or airport souvenir stores where you can pay with a non-US credit card.

6. Only some credit cards will work

Credit cards are increasingly popular in Cuba and in many state-run businesses are the preferred (and sometimes only) method of payment.

Despite promises made in the Obama era, credit cards linked to US banks are not accepted. Private businesses almost never have credit card machines, meaning your only option is cash.

A blue classic car passes a cowboy-hatted man on a horse on a dirt road leading into Vinales, Cuba

7. Pack your favorite casual clothes – and men need a shirt

Dress in Cuba is casual, so you can leave your high heels and tux behind. The only real dress code is in cinemas, theaters and nightclubs, where male patrons are required to wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves or half-sleeves.

8. Cuban Spanish is fast and often informal

If you speak Spanish, you’ll find that Cubans mostly use the informal tú form of address, rather than usted . In the plural, ustedes is used over vosotros .

If you don’t know someone, it’s best to address them as señor or señora , though you’ll hear Cubans use all kinds of substitutes such as socio , hermano , papa , chica/o and asere .

9. Cuban cities are where the streets have two names

In most Cuban cities, the streets have two names: a contemporary one that is noted on maps and marked on street signs, and a pre-revolutionary one that is still used widely by the locals.

This can become confusing, especially when locals, unaware of the new street names, start giving out directions or addresses using the colloquial nomenclature. Always double-check addresses and, if possible, get two potential names for the street you’re looking for.

10. Understand the local art of queueing

Cubans have to endure a lot of long waits in boring queues, so they’ve invented a way of doing it that doesn’t involve standing in line. In a Cuban queue, you simply roll up at the bakery/clinic/visa office and yell out to the assembled masses, "Quien es último?" (Who’s last?).

Hopefully, someone in a 400m vicinity will answer your polite entreaty with the word, "yo" (me). That person is your yardstick. As long as they’re still around, feel free to go for a walk, sit in the lotus position or buy ice cream. When they get called up, be on your toes, you’re next!

11. Ask questions more than once

Thanks to heavy bureaucracy, answers to simple requests aren’t always straightforward – or even correct. Probe politely and ask at least five different people before you make important decisions.

12. Bring something to keep you warm on a cold bus journey

Cuba has a countrywide state-run bus service called Víazul that connects all of the main cities and some of the smaller towns. Prices are charged in MLC$ (the same rate as the US$) and tickets must be paid for with a credit card either in person or online.

A second service called Conectando, run by Cubanacán, also puts on buses in peak season along some of the more popular routes. Bring a sweater/jacket for long bus rides – the air-conditioning is akin to a chilly day in Vancouver.

Woman with camera in a candid shot in Trinidad, Cuba

13. Cuba is considered a safe place to travel

Cuba is one of the safest countries in the Americas in terms of violent crime. Pick-pocketing is more common but not rampant, and is mostly avoidable if you follow a few basic precautions: Wear a money belt, use safe boxes in hotel rooms and don’t flash your cash in public.

14. Solo female travelers report receiving unwanted attention

Solo female travelers report experiencing a good deal of unwanted attention, but it didn't necessarily spoil their enjoyment of traveling in Cuba.

There is a fine line between being open and friendly and harassment, and some men can cross that line by being overly familiar or asking too many personal questions. Learn some key phrases in Spanish that make it clear when you're not interested.

15. Beware of forgeries

Never change money with unlicensed traders on the streets. You run the risk of receiving estafas (forged notes).

16. Bring your own medicines

On one level, Cuba has a good health system (it invented and quickly distributed three COVID-19 vaccines); on the other, it is perennially short of pharmaceuticals.

Bring all the prescription medications you think you’ll need, as well others you might like ibuprofen or paracetamol. If you’d like to donate some medicines to the people of Cuba, it is currently possible to bring in 10kg of medical supplies tax-free (pack them in a separate bag).

Portrait of an Afro-Cuban woman smoking cigar and smiling in Havana, Cuba

17. Avoid dodgy cigars

Cuba has its share of jineteros (touts) spinning elaborate stories about super-cheap, high-quality cigars procured by their brother/mother/cousin from the factory. Don’t believe them. Instead, buy your cigars in state-run shops such as the Casa del Habano chain. Cigars sold on the street are invariably factory cast-offs and not genuine.

18. Driving is not as easy as you think

With light traffic on the road, driving might seem like an easy proposition, but with elevated rental prices and cars often in short supply, it’s not always so.

Add in sporadic signposting, potholed roads and a wide array of hazards – goats, horses, bicycles, kids and slow-moving, fume-belching trucks – and you might want to consider getting the bus or, at least, employing the services of a chauffeur.

19. Bring toilet paper and sanitary products

The pandemic made the provision of antiseptic hand lotion more common, but the same can’t be said of toilet paper. Carry your own roll and/or gravitate to four- or five-star hotels when you’re caught short in the city.

Re-usable pads and silicon cups, or disposable pads and tampons are must-pack items if you're expecting your period while you're in Cuba. These are in high demand here.

20. Don’t drink the water

The water won’t kill you, but it might give you a little queasiness or an upset stomach. Fortunately, bottled water is abundant and cheap. An even better idea is to bring your own filter bottle or water purification tablets.

This article was first published Feb 5, 2022 and updated Jan 5, 2024.

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Can Americans travel to Cuba right now?

Technically yes, if you're willing to be tested and quarantine.

Despite the rest of the Caribbean being open to tourism from all countries right now, Cuba has always been a special case. Since last fall, they've slowly reopened from a strict lockdown, allowing international travelers back in October and finally opening Havana airport in November 2020.

Still, don't expect everything to be back to normal this year. According to the U.S. State Department, there is still a Level 4 Travel Advisory recommending U.S. citizens not travel to Cuba due to Covid-19 health and safety concerns. The capital city experienced a spike in cases in August, and the island nation is dealing with a shortage of basic medical supplies including most over-the-counter medications, thermometers, respiratory face masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment.

If you do plan to go, here's what you'll need. All incoming travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken less than 72 hours before arrival and fill out a health declaration card before being allowed entry in Cuba. Upon arrival, visitors will also be subject to a mandatory PCR test, and a mandatory period of self-isolation until they receive the result of the test.

And pre-Covid travel restrictions for U.S. citizens still apply: You'll need a reason to travel to Cuba that isn't just tourism (there are 12 eligible categories), a Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a. visa) and you'll need to carry cash (American cards are generally not accepted), avoid spending money at some restricted businesses and to keep your travel receipts and records for five years. Cuba also requires travelers to have non-U.S. medical insurance (which is usually included in airline ticket prices on flights originating in the United States).

So, if you're headed to the Caribbean this summer, you might want to try Jamaica or the Dominican Republic instead. And don't forget that a negative viral COVID test or documentation of recovery is required for anyone traveling by air to the United States, including U.S. citizens and regardless of vaccination status.

Remember, many countries (including the USA) are still warning against all non-essential travel and some are quarantining all overseas arrivals, including their own returning citizens. Check all the relevant restrictions before you think about traveling.

Where can you travel right now? Here’s what you need to know.

How safe is flying right now? We asked an expert.

Sarah Medina Travel Editor, North America

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Can Americans Travel to Cuba? A Decoded Guide

One of the hottest questions in travel is can Americans travel to Cuba? The answer is yes, but it’s a long one and it’s complicated. But don’t fret just yet, we’re here to walk you through the process.

From the day we first decided to go and announced our trip, people have been asking us how it is possible for Americans to visit Cuba.

Many people also seemed confused about travel to Cuba from the US and whether Cuba is even open for Americans right now or not.

There also seems to be mass confusion on what the recent change in the General License process really means for Americans trying to visit Cuba independent of a licensed tour.

It is our hope that this article will answer some of your questions and provide some clarity about the current situation of Americans traveling to Cuba and whether or not you are able to if you are considering a trip for yourself.

2022 UPDATE: As of November 2017, President Trump announced changes in travel rules for Cuba. You can no longer travel under the People To People category as an individual. You are also prohibited from spending money at military-owned businesses. However, traveling independently under Support For The Cuban People is still allowed.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba?

Table of Contents

The short answer here is no . It is still illegal for Americans to vacation in Cuba. However , there are two ways for Americans to travel to Cuba legally .

If you qualify or book a trip to Cuba in one of these two ways, then you will be traveling to Cuba legally as an American.

Support for the People Tour: This is the most popular way for Americans to visit Cuba. There are many agencies in the United States that are now licensed by the US Government to run culturally orientated tours for American citizens to Cuba.

You can search for these online and book them just like you would any other group tour package. These usually allow you to fly via a charter from Miami or New York and give you a great option for seeing the real side of Cuba during your visit.

Not sure what agency to use for your Support of the People tour? If you’re looking for an experience unlike any other in Cuba, we can highly recommend booking a tour sold by or operated by the lovely folks at Your Cuba Travel .

They run the government-approved trips to Cuba for Americans and do a stellar job.

General License Travel: The other way to see Cuba is through the new General License. If you qualify under one of the 12 sections of the US government-issued General License, then you may purchase tickets and travel to Cuba independently.

This is still not a free for all to sit on a beach and sip mojitos, but it does offer some flexibility in designing your own itinerary and being able to see things away from the group tour.

Foreign Gateways to Cuba: In addition to traveling legally, we wanted to note that Americans have been traveling to Cuba illegally for years.

While we do not endorse this nor promote it, a simple Google search can typically give you all the information you could possibly want on how to do this.

Thousands of Americans visit Cuba through a foreign gateway annually without any issues, just know that it is illegal.

This means if you get caught or questioned and have spent time in Cuba, you could be facing some serious fines and/or revocation of your passport upon your return to the USA.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? We booked our flights to Cuba with CheapAir and can recommend it.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? How the General License Works

There has been a huge relaxation in the issuing of Cuba licenses to American citizens to travel to Cuba.

The categories are still the same, however, it used to be that you had to apply in advance for a US government-issued Cuba License before you would be allowed to legally travel to Cuba.

Without this license in hand, your travel was considered illegal.

When the Obama administration relaxed the qualifications on the Cuba license, they created a new General License that has made it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba.

Now, instead of having to apply and be approved for a Cuba License, you just have to sign an affidavit that you qualify under a category of the General License, provide support documentation if asked and you can travel to Cuba legally.

This is a big change in the process and our government’s way of allowing more people into Cuba.

However, it is not free for all and people need to remember that the embargo has not been lifted and it is still not legal to vacation in Cuba.

If you qualify under one of these General license categories, I urge you to consider a trip to Cuba soon as the change is on the horizon for this island nation.

The new structure of the General License gives you an opportunity to visit Cuba independent of a group tour, giving you more opportunities to work within your license category.

Before your visit, you should plan an itinerary that pertains to the license you are claiming and be able to justify your travels through Cuba if questioned.

Generally, any American traveling to Cuba under a General License should plan on keeping detailed records of their time in Cuba and how it pertained to the license you claimed.

In short, don’t claim that you are visiting for religious reasons and then book in a week at an all-inclusive resort in Varadero.

Travel to Cuba from the US – Do You Qualify?

In order to travel independently to Cuba as an American, you must qualify under one of the 12 General License categories. The categories are as follows:

Family visits
Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
Journalistic activity
Professional research and professional meetings
Educational activities
Religious activities
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
Support for the Cuban people
Humanitarian projects
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines.

You can visit this US Government FAQ sheet to get detailed information on each one of the General License categories and what is required of you if you choose to claim that license for independent travel to Cuba.

Again, if you sign up for the US-approved Support of the People tour of Cuba, you don’t need to worry about anything . The company has already obtained the necessary license for you to travel to Cuba.

You just need to show up and enjoy your tour. We can highly recommend booking a tour sold by or operated by the lovely folks at Your Cuba Travel .

Can Americans go to Cuba? We booked our flights to Cuba with CheapAir and can recommend it.

How Did We Visit Cuba Legally?

Thanks to this blog and a number of publications that we do freelance work for, we qualified under the Journalistic Activity category of the General License for our travel to Cuba from the USA in 2016.

Being able to travel independently of a group gave us the opportunity to dig a little deeper into the life of Cuba, photograph the many aspects and find unique stories to share with our readers and other publications.

Additionally, in 2017 we revisited Cuba on a Support for the People tour operated by Your Cuba Travel. Both of our visits were legal.

Flights to Cuba from the USA: We booked tickets from Miami to Havana via Panama City online with our US credit card through CheapAir.com .

While we had the option of booking a direct charter from Miami to Havana, it was $160 cheaper to travel with a connection than fly direct on the charter flight.

When we checked in with Copa Airlines in Miami, they confirmed with us that our final destination was Havana.

There was no problem with this but before they would issue our tickets we were required to complete and return a General License affidavit stating which section of the General License we qualified under.

While I already had these printed and on us for re-entry into the USA from Cuba, the airline had us fill out another one for their records.

Our second visit: In 2017 we led a photography tour to Cuba in partnership with a government-approved Cuba tour operator. It was a completely different style of trip than our first visit in 2016.

Traveling on a group Support of the People license, we dove even deeper into the culture of Cuba, met some amazing people, and learned so much about the countries history.

For this visit, our group flew directly from Miami to Havana on American Airlines.

We got our passports stamped and when we returned to the states, flying Santa Clara to Miami again on American Airlines, we had no issues with immigration.

Be sure to check out all of our Cuba Articles: Cuba Travel Guide

Visa & Itinerary

How to Get a Cuba Visa for Americans: Another reason we decided to fly with a connection was the visa cost.

Had we decided to fly on the direct charter from Miami to Havana, we would have had to obtain a Cuban Visa from a US-based Cuban travel agency to the tune of $85 per person.

By traveling through a foreign gateway city, we were able to purchase our Cuban Tourist Visa from the gate counter before boarding our flight to Havana.

The cost was $20USD per person, significant savings from trying to obtain a visa in the USA.

Cuba Itinerary: While in Cuba we maintained an active itinerary that was on point to the way we travel when producing content and photography for this blog and other publications.

We planned that schedule around the various destinations we wanted to visit. We traveled independently by using the local bus system and staying in Casa Particular home stays throughout Cuba.

Check out our Two Week Cuba Itinerary

Returning to the USA: This part was surprisingly easy. Despite being prepared with our signed affidavits and having bright pink Cuba stamps in our passports, we were never questioned about our travels in Cuba.

Had we been, we were prepared with the necessary documentation to prove our qualifications under the General License we selected.

So there you have it, there are legal ways for Americans to travel to Cuba. We highly recommend that you check the country out sooner than later.

The Cuban people are looking forward to a progressive new future and things might be changing in the months to come.

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

Beyond the Ban: A Guide to Americans Visiting Cuba in 2024.

If you are a US citizen, you can still visit Cuba in 2024. However, unlike your neighbors traveling from Canada , you will be subject to specific regulations from the US government.

For example, doing “tourism,” like staying at a resort on a Cuban beach , isn’t allowed. Your trip must fall into one of 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba. You must also comply with certain financial restrictions while on the island.

This article offers our first-hand experience organizing trips from the US to Cuba for over seven years. We will answer all your questions about going to Cuba as an American, including the entry requirements, the 12 categories of authorized travel, People-to-People travel, the Support for the Cuban People license, and much more.

In this guide, we cover all of it.

Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2024?

How to travel to Cuba - Cuban giving thumbs up from balcony (1)

The simple answer is yes. It’s perfectly legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, except for explicit tourism purposes.

Americans can’t go to Cuba for tourism thanks to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations of July 8, 1963, which imposed a trade embargo on the island.

However, you can travel legally to Cuba if you comply with certain Cuban and US government regulations.

Specifically, the Cuban government asks you to bring the following documentation:

The Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Visa).
Health travel insurance.
Customs and health declaration forms.

On the other hand, the US government requires you to:

Self-certify under one of the 12 travel categories of authorized travel to Cuba
Avoid spending money at certain restricted businesses.
Keep your travel receipts and records for five years.

Does that sound like a lot? In the sections below, we explain how to meet these requirements so you can travel legally to Cuba from the US.

The Cuban Tourist Card

The Cuban Tourist Card is a tourist visa that almost everyone traveling to Cuba for tourism must bring. They come in two colors: pink and green.

In most cases, US citizens must get the pink Cuban Tourist Card because they fly directly from a US airport to Cuba. However, if you plan on leaving from a non-US airport, you will need the green version.

In any case, we suggest you purchase the Cuban Tourist Card through your airline or on EasyTouristCard.com .

Buy it From Your Airline

The cost of the Cuban tourist visa is usually bundled into the ticket price. However, in some cases, you will need to purchase the visa separately. Prices range from 50 to 80 US dollars, depending on the airline.

Please note that only a few US airlines fly to Cuba. Check out Skyscanner to find all available flights from the US to Cuba.

Purchase it on EasyTouristCard.com

If you can’t get the Cuban Tourist Card through your airline, the best alternative is to purchase it online from Easy Tourist Card , a widely trusted provider.

The pink version costs about 100 US dollars, while the green version sells for roughly 35 US dollars.

Mandatory Travel Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is an entry requirement to Cuba.

Your policy must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. The Cuban government won’t allow you to leave the country with outstanding medical bills!

Based on our assessment of the most popular travel health insurance providers for Cuba , we recommend Insubuy .

On Insubuy , coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation starts at 8 USD per week per person and is pretty comprehensive.

Customs and Health Declaration Forms

Cuba requires all travelers to bring a Sanitary Statement and a Customs Declaration form.

You can complete the documentation at D’Viajeros , the government’s website. It will save you time and annoyance at the Havana Airport !

The 12 Categories of Authorized Travel to Cuba

Selection of 12 Categories of Authorized Travel to Cuba

A “category of authorized travel to Cuba” is also known as a “travel license” or “general license.”

Confusingly, even though it’s called a license, it is not a physical or digital document. It’s a self-certification you need to do when travel providers, such as airlines and hotels, ask you about it. In most cases, it’s just about ticking a box.

Obviously, before you tick that box, you should review whether you meet the criteria for traveling to Cuba under your chosen category.

There are 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba , as defined by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC):

Family visits
Official business for the US government, foreign government, and certain intergovernmental organizations
Professional research and professional meetings
Educational activities
Religious activities
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
Support for the Cuban People
Exportation, importation or transmission of information or informational materials
Humanitarian projects
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
Certain export transactions

In 90% of the cases, a US citizen will travel to Cuba under either the Education Activities or the Support for the Cuban People categories.

Educational Activities (People-to-People Travel)

People-to-people travel falls under the Educational Activities category. This license aims to promote people-to-people contact, support civil society in Cuba, and encourage the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities.

You can travel under this license provided that your trip is:

Organized by a US travel company (the “sponsoring organization”).
Escorted by an employee of the sponsoring organization.

People-to-people travel is the best option for Americans who want to go in a group and prefer to avoid the hassle of planning an itinerary in compliance with the US-Cuba travel regulations.

However, not everyone likes the crowds or having a chaperone around. Besides, traveling to Cuba independently is still legal, easy, and safe . For those, there is the Support for the Cuban People category.

The Support for the Cuban People Travel Category

The Support for the Cuban People category intends to promote US travel to Cuba to strengthen civil society on the island. It covers activities that:

Foster closer connections with the Cuban people,
Contribute to the development of Cuban civil society, or
Advocate for the independence of the Cuban people from the government; and
Involve meaningful engagement and interaction with individuals in Cuba.

American travelers love this category because it’s pretty vague. You have lots of wiggle room and can pretty much do many of the activities you would in any other country.

Here are examples of activities that can “strengthen Cuban society”:

Visiting museums and historical sites.
Eating at locally-owned restaurants (paladares).
Taking Cuban cooking classes.
Taking salsa dancing lessons.
Touring a tobacco farm and learning how to roll Cuban cigars.
Taking a tour through the best of Havana .
Volunteering with a local organization or non-profit.

How does it sound?

However, we must remind you that you still can’t do tourism in Cuba under the Support for the Cuban People license. In fact, you should spend about 6-8 hours on a schedule of activities actually supporting the Cuban people.

That said, it’s not like an American official will call you daily to verify your schedule, so don’t stress too much about it.

You can also support the Cuban people in less subtle ways by:

Bringing inexpensive items as gifts for locals . Most essential products you take for granted (toiletries, hygiene products, etc.) are hard to come by in Cuba. Bringing a thoughtful gift will show your appreciation and may meet your hosts’ vital needs.
Tipping . The base wage for workers in Cuba is the equivalent of a few US dollars a month. Therefore, locals expect and highly appreciate tipping.

Finally, considering that the Internet is limited in Cuba , you should arrange your activities before you land on the island.

Restricted Businesses and Accommodations

The US Treasury Department doesn’t like Americans spending money anywhere in Cuba.

The Treasury keeps a list of businesses to which Americans must refrain from giving money. Most of these businesses are owned by the Cuban military or security services, with which the US still has a frosty relationship. You can see the full, updated list here .

The US government also forbids Americans from staying at specific accommodations listed in the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List .

To be safe, we recommend renting a room from Cuban Airbnbs , also known as “casas particulares.” These privately owned and highly affordable accommodations can provide you with an authentic Cuban experience.

Check out Skyscanner for the latest listings of “casas particulares” and hotels in Cuba.

Travel Receipts and Records for Five Years

The US government can ask you for your travel records and receipts for up to five years after your Cuba trip.

This sounds spooky, although anecdotally, it doesn’t happen very often. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, so keep your records safe for five years if you’re questioned about your trip.

Bonus Tip for Americans Traveling to Cuba: Stick to Private

How to Travel to Cuba - African Cuban Woman

Generally, you should purchase most travel services and products from Cuban private businesses.

We know you can’t always stick to this principle because the Cuban government owns most of the travel facilities and services on the island, including hotels, car rental companies , tour agencies, and souvenir shops.

But whenever you can support Cuban entrepreneurs, please do so. You will strengthen the legality of your trip and genuinely help Cuban society.

Besides, if you want to cut your trip to Cuba costs , purchasing from locals will get you more bang for your buck. Not only is it more affordable, but you will likely pay in Cuban currency , the Cuban Peso, which is hugely devalued compared to the US dollar.

This includes:

Booking tours from local guides .
Staying in “casas particulares.”
Eating at “paladares” (check out our food safety guide for Cuba ).
Riding in private taxis, including “almendrones,” Cuba’s old classic cars .
Buying souvenirs directly from local sellers.

For more tips and tricks you can pull in your trip to the island, read our 58 travel tips for Cuba .

US Legal Travel to Cuba, Summarized

If you are an American traveling to Cuba, you can break down the process into five relatively simple steps:

Choose the best travel category to Cuba based on your travel purpose. If you are going in a group, it will likely be Educational Activities (People-to-People travel) or Support for the Cuban People if you travel independently.
Ensure your itinerary has a full schedule of activities covered by your chosen travel category.
Avoid booking an accommodation included in the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List .
Do not spend money on the specific prohibited businesses in Cuba .
Keep your records and receipts for five years.

Once you overcome the legal (but easy!) challenges of traveling to Cuba, you will see that the effort was well worth it. If you feel ready but don’t know when, check out our guide to the best time to travel to Cuba .

Have you traveled to Cuba as a US citizen? We want to hear from you. Please share your experience in the comments below!

Essential Travel Logistics For Cuba

Cuban Tourist Card – If your Cuban Tourist Card (a.k.a Cuban Tourist Visa) isn’t bundled into your airline ticket or travel package, buy it only through EasyTouristCard .

Travel Health Insurance – Travel medical insurance is an entry requirement for Cuba, so you can’t skip it. Travelers can get travel health insurance for Cuba via Insubuy . Travel protection benefits such as trip interruption and cancellation, baggage delay insurance, etc., are not required.

Essential Items to Pack – Bring the essential travel necessities that you may not be able to get in Cuba:

First aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Water bottle with filter
Mosquito repellent
Pin adapter (for Europeans)
Travel guide
Spanish-English phrasebook
Suggested Reading: The Cubans: Ordinary Lives in Extraordinary Times

Read our complete packing list for Cuba .

Find Accommodations – Find hotels or casas particulares (private accommodations) on Skyscanner , which lists thousands of accommodations available in Cuba.

Book Your Flight – Book cheap flights to Cuba on Skyscanner , our favorite flight search engine to find deals on flights to Cuba.

About the Author

Tour republic.

Tour Republic is a marketplace where you can discover, book, and review the very best experiences Cuba has to offer. We are a team of tourism professionals and journalists who have partnered with Cuban entrepreneurs to provide travel experiences that can transform your trip into a life-changing adventure. We also share our profound love for Cuba through in-depth travel guides, myth-busting articles, and captivating narratives. Whether you want to explore Cuba's wonders or understand its intricacies, our blog posts are your gateway to the heart of this extraordinary country.

Cuban Currency: The Ultimate Guide for Travelers (2024 Update)

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Things to bring to Cuba - Packing to Cuba

What to Bring to Cuba: The Ultimate Cuba Packing List (2024 Update)

Cubans welcome US visitors into their hearts and homes

2024 legal cuba travel for americans.

Cuba travel is legal, and People-to-People tours return

A new era of normal cuba relations under biden and harris.

Joe and Kamala pledged to swiftly undo four years of Trump-imposed economic and travel restrictions, increase US Embassy staff levels in Havana, and seek more engagement between the States and Cuba.

These changes have been slow in coming. After all, Trump enacted 243 measures against Cuba. But a positive change was enacted on June 8, 2022.

Free to visit Cuba easily again! People-to-People travel restored.

Hooray! Americans can travel to Cuba just like during Obama times. People-to-People travel allows every American to come to Cuba, meet islanders, and enjoy cultural, artistic, and educational activities – the same as traveling to any other country.

Yet caveats remain.

Cuba travel must be hosted by a tour company based in the United States.
Cuba travel must be escorted, meaning you travel with a guide on an itinerary that shows you are engaging in meaningful exchanges with Cuban people. But hey, the people are what the island’s all about anyway. You are still free to explore historical and cultural sites and tropical nature.
Lounging on Cuba’s spectacular sunny beaches and sipping mojitos all day is banned. Otherwise, almost anything you can imagine is permitted.

US Cuba tour operators help arrange trips featuring the best this magical island offers. You’ll enjoy dance, music, rum, cigars, museums, and effusive kind Cubans. People-to-People travel is comfy and always in the company of open-minded, outgoing fellow travelers. Refreshingly, Cuba has become a MAGA-free zone, not that they are unwelcomed. Instead, they seem to show little interest in different cultures.

Covid is gone. Cuba is the healthiest country in Latin America.

Cuba’s entire population is vaccinated. Cuba is one of the few countries globally that hold this distinction. There is no need for masks or proof of vaccinations to visit Cuba. Things are back to normal again. Learn more about Covid in Cuba and how easy it is to visit now .

Did Trump ban travel to Cuba? No, but he wanted to.

While Trump did everything possible to curtail Cuba visits, he couldn’t make them illegal. The US Constitution prevented Trump from doing so.

Rewarding Cuba travel options are many. The longstanding twelve categories of authorized Cuba travel remain intact. Licensed US Cuba tour agencies help with all questions and ensure your trip conforms to current regulations.

Academic travel to Cuba has been expanded. Students, teachers, school staff, and chaperones can come to Cuba just like studying abroad in Canada, Asia, or Europe.

The popular categories of Educational Activities (which People-to-People travel is part), Support for the Cuban People, Humanitarian Projects, Religious Activities, Professional Research, and Journalism are fulfilling ways to witness Cuba and connect with islanders while partaking in their culture.

What is legal Cuba travel, how does it work, who is in charge?

The US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) oversees Cuba travel. There are twelve themes under which Americans can legally visit Cuba without any government documentation or permission in advance. The twelve categories are known as “general license” travel. There is no actual license issued. It is an honor system. If the purpose of your Cuba travel falls under any of the twelve pre-approved Cuba travel categories, you can hop on a plane and visit Cuba. It’s that simple.

What are the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba?

Office of Foreign Assets Control Cuba travel restrictions booklet.

Educational Activities (study abroad for students, teachers, and school staff), and People-to-People travel for regular Americans is part of Educational travel activities
Support for the Cuban People
Professional Research
Public Performances, Clinics, Workshops, Athletic and other competitions, and Exhibitions
Journalistic Activity (for electronic and print media reporters, including bloggers)
Humanitarian Projects
Religious Activities
Family Visits (connecting with close relatives in Cuba)
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
Certain authorized export transactions (for businesses and NGOs)
Official business of the US government, foreign governments, and specific intergovernmental organizations

List of Cuba travel dos and don’ts

While in Cuba , your activities must focus on full-time engagement outlined in your chosen travel category.
It’s best not to stay in Cuban hotels banned by Trump and Biden. Click Worried Boy image for the list.
Trump and Biden outlawed Cuban rum and Cuban tobacco products in the US. While these sumptuous items cannot be imported to the United States, you can enjoy them during your Cuba stay. No problem!

What are the simplest, most rewarding ways to visit Cuba legally?

Cuba on your own . The island is ideal for sojourners with foreign travel experience and ample planning time. If you speak fluent Spanish, independent travel is tops. This avenue is only possible under the Support for the Cuban People license.

However, individuals can also use the People-to-People option and visit Cuba independently if hosted by a US tour operator and a guide. (You kick back, they do all the work for you!)

Design your own custom private Cuba trip with a US tour operator. Collaborating with a tour operator will ensure unrivaled rewards if you, your family, and your friends prioritize pre-planning, gratifying activities, and guaranteed pricing. US Cuba travel professionals know the best cultural activities, events, entertainment options, eateries, accommodations, transportation, and knowledgeable professional guides.

Prepaid small group Cuba travel packages guarantee your Cuba trip conforms to US legal requirements. Hosted by US agencies, small group tours are nearly all-inclusive, incredibly economical, and offer tons of cultural encounters in a brief period – many more than the most intrepid traveler could assemble on their own. And you’ll always be in the company of forward-thinking fellow Americans and Cubans to look after all your desires.

How do I choose a legitimate Cuba agent or tour operator?

We encourage potential Cuba visitors to browse the internet to shop and compare options. It’s fun and enlightening. You’ll find many travel agencies and tour operators with decades of professionalism offering excellent services at a wide range of pricing. Locate them on Google by searching “ legal cuba tours for americans ”.

Ensure the tour operator is based in the United States and licensed by OFAC to provide travel services to Americans.
The tour operator must issue a Certificate of Legal Cuba Travel , guaranteeing your trip conforms to current US Cuba travel regulations.
Travel companies come and go. Ask how long the travel provider has been in business. Don’t risk your precious travel dollars with fly-by-night operators.
Learn from the experiences of former travelers. Read the tour operator’s TripAdvisor reviews.
Ask your friends who’ve traveled to Cuba for their suggestions and recommendations for Cuba tour operators.

Legal Cuba travel essentials for US citizens and residents

Read the Ultimate Cuba Travel Guide , a summary of nearly three decades of Cuba travel tips and advice.
All visitors require a passport, valid for one week beyond your Cuba stay.
Cuba travelers require a Cuba entry visa. Purchase a Cuban Visitor Visa online now.
Fill out the online Cuban immigration and customs form called D’Viajeros . Review these simplified instructions to breeze through this mandatory pre-departure document in minutes.
Money US debit cards don’t work in Cuba. Only a handful of hotels in Havana accept US credit cards for in-house services. US dollars cover nearly all cash needs: no need to bring euros or Canadian dollars. Plan trip expenses carefully. See Cash requirements and guidelines while in Cuba.
US regulations require Americans to retain records of island expenses and activities for five years. Legitimate US-based Cuba tour operators keep these records for you.

Have questions about legal Cuba travel?

Can Europeans travel to the US if you have been to Cuba?

For Europeans looking for a 2023 winter holiday during the colder months, a holiday to Cuba is a no-brainer. Warm dry weather is pretty much guaranteed from November to April and the sparkling sea, stunning landscapes and unique culture make Cuba an epic holiday destination to remember.

But what happens if you want to visit Cuba (or you have already been) and you also want to travel to the US in the future? Can Europeans currently travel to the US if you have been to Cuba?

If you are reading this, chances are that you might have heard somewhere that Europeans cannot enter the US if they’ve recently travelled to Cuba (yikes!). But fear not, in this blog, Cubania Travel’s Director Lucy explains everything you need to know to enjoy your trip in Cuba AND travel to the USA worry-free.

From 12th January 2021, the US placed Cuba on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism, a last-minute callous move by the Trump administration as they were leaving the White House. US law states that any person travelling to a country on the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism cannot apply for the ESTA Visa Waiver Programme and must apply for a visa via the US Embassy.

This obviously worried a lot of international travellers , especially Europeans who have enjoyed easy entry to the USA via the ESTA Visa Waiver Programme, and has created great confusion about who can/cannot enter the US and Cuba.

cycling vehicle like a tuk tuk with the american flag behind it

The legal bits

In October 2022, the US Government started enforcing the restriction on people who have travelled to Cuba since 12 th January 2021. These travellers are no longer eligible to apply for the ESTA Visa Waiver programme , and need to apply for a US visitor’s visa (B1/B2) via their nearest US Embassy.

According to the US Department of Homeland Security Website:

“ Ineligibility for an ESTA is not a bar to travel to the United States. Individuals who are not eligible to travel under the VWP may apply for a visa at any U.S. embassy or consulate”

However, the restriction does deter some from making plans to visit Cuba, a country which has endured hostile political and economic restrictions by the USA since 1959. The US Embargo on Cuba and other restrictions are an attempt to destabilise Cuba’s Revolutionary government, whose politics are at odds with the USA.

It seems like it’s specifically designed to deter non-US citizens from travelling to Cuba and forces them to comply with the US Embargo on Cuba, which the UN General Assembly votes overwhelmingly to condemn every year.

Can US citizens travel to Cuba legally?

Travel to Cuba from the USA is already restricted by the US Embargo on Cuba, but you can still do so. Head over to our blog where we share insights for US citizens who wish to travel to Cuba while supporting Cuban people.

Cubania Travel contacted the relevant authorities, and received assurances that this is more about political sabre rattling than anything truly sinister. It’s one more obstacle put in the way of Cuba, a country which has already endured a 60-year US Embargo. And the USA continues to make life difficult for the Cuban people.

While enforcement will likely be sporadic, it’s good to know how to avoid getting tangled up with US Immigration officers. So with that in mind…

What you need to know

Since October 2022, The Cuban authorities do NOT stamp any passports on arrival or departure ( unless you specifically ask them for a stamp in your passport) , eliminating concrete evidence that you’ve travelled to Cuba. It’s like you were never there!

I’m not suggesting you lie to US authorities but the reality is that, so long as you don’t tell US authorities of your recent trip to Cuba from Europe, there’s no way they’ll know! Unless, of course, you’re travelling to/from Cuba via the USA in which case they’ll definitely know!

If, however, you’re a frequent traveller to the US or you just don’t want to risk it, you’ll need to make a US Visitor Visa Application via the US Embassy . It’s pretty straightforward, but do make sure you apply ahead of time as the process can take a couple of weeks.

Okay, so how do I apply for a US Visitor’s Visa?

If you are a frequent traveller to the USA, it makes better sense to get a 10-year visa, which allows you to enter and exit freely without worrying about ESTA Waiver Restrictions.

There are 2 options:

👔 B1 VISA (visitor visa for those temporarily engaging in business activities)

🏖️ B2 VISA (visitor visa for pleasure or tourism)

Applying for a Non-Immigrant Visa to the USA is simple and the visas are generally valid for 10 years, costing $185. There is usually a 10-14 day delay between submitting your passport and receiving the visa so please make sure you allow time before travel.

If you’re travelling from the USA to Cuba and you are a non-US citizen, you’ll need to apply for a visa AND you will need to comply with US Regulations on travel to Cuba.

There is hope that Cuba will be removed from the Sponsors of Terrorism list soon. Recently, the Biden administration announced they will resume visa processing in their Havana Embassy in 2023. A good sign and a reason for cautious optimism with regard to US-Cuba relations.

So in conclusion, while the whole regulations, restrictions and process are an annoyance, they shouldn’t affect anyone’s future visits to either Cuba or the USA (phew!)

Thinking of planning your next holiday?

With over 20 years of experience organising sustainable tours in Cuba, at Cubania we have your back. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a guide, cycle your way through rural villages, relax in sun-kissed Caribbean sands or learn how to make the tastiest mojitos! With Cubania Travel you’ll get closer to authentic, Cuban life.

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What You Need To Be Aware Of As A Tourist Visiting Cuba

B eaches with white sand as fine as sugar, vintage American cars cruising down streets lined by colorful aging buildings, and the chance to puff on a fine cigar while watching people dance the salsa in the warm night air: It's not hard to understand the picture-postcard allure of Cuba. It's a country in the throes of rapid change as it emerges back onto the world stage after decades of stagnation following the 1959 revolution. So now is a wonderful time to pack your dancing shoes and visit the Caribbean's largest island.

However, Cuba isn't an uncomplicated tropical paradise and there are several things you need to be aware of before you visit as a tourist. Like, as an American, is it even legal for you to visit Cuba as a tourist? What's with the money situation? And can you access the internet or are you going back to the Stone Age (also known as the early 1990s)?

Can Americans Visit Cuba?

Cuba is just 103 miles from the tip of Florida making it the ideal winter getaway for sun-seeking Americans. However, the U.S. imposed restrictions on travel to Cuba in 1963 and while the level of restrictions has varied over the years, as of July 2023, Americans can't visit Cuba purely for tourism purposes.

That said, there are 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba, and the one that most Americans visiting the island use is the "support for the Cuban people" category. You'll need a passport with six months validity at the time of entry and two blank pages. You also need a Cuban Tourist Card, which you can usually get from your airline for as little as $50.

Speaking of airlines, you can fly direct to Cuba from several U.S. cities, including Miami, Tampa, New York City , and Houston. Most direct flights from the U.S. land in the Cuban capital of Havana, though there are several nonstop flights from Miami to other destinations in the country, including Santiago de Cuba and the popular beach resort of Varadero.

Cuban Currency

There's good news and, let's say, tricky news when it comes to paying for things in Cuba. The good news is that there is now one currency used by residents and visitors alike in the country: the Cuban peso (CUP). The Cuban convertible peso (CUC), which used to be the currency used by tourists, was eliminated in 2021.

The only official place you can exchange currency in Cuba is at Cadeca exchange houses. You cannot get CUP outside of Cuba, nor should you take the currency home with you. Spend or exchange anything you have left over before you go to the airport (after security, you should pay in foreign currency).

What about credit cards? U.S. credit and debit cards won't work in Cuba. Credit cards from major financial institutions like Visa and Mastercard from other countries should be accepted by certain businesses and ATMs. However, cash is king in the country and it's always a good idea to keep some with you for tips to service workers.

The Internet In Cuba

Cuba is the perfect place to go on a digital detox. We're going to be honest: Getting online isn't as easy as in the U.S. and internet speeds can be sluggish. However, if you need to connect to the internet, you can. The most common way to access the internet in Cuba is via hotspots in places like public parks and on the Malécon in Havana. (They are also perfect for people-watching, so embrace the experience!) Many hotels and some other businesses also have Wi-Fi.

To access the internet in most places you're going to need a NAUTA card, which you can purchase from ETECSA offices around Cuba. Be prepared to stand in line to buy the card and take your passport along with you. Our advice? Be patient and make the most of your offline moments to fully immerse yourself in the Cuban experience. And plan to latergram your posts on Insta.

Sleeping And Eating

When it comes to accommodation in Cuba, you'll find a range of options. From all-inclusive beach resorts to cozy casas particulares, you'll find somewhere to suit your preferences and budget. Our pick for independent travelers is a casa particular, a privately owned guesthouse which offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Cuban hospitality firsthand. Many places offer breakfast and an evening meal, so you can taste home-cooked Cuban food. It's also an excellent way to support the Cuban people (this is likely the stated purpose of your visit, after all) as the money you pay goes directly to the guesthouse owners. In contrast, the Cuban government holds at least a 51% share in all hotels in Cuba. Hotel star ratings are often on the generous side, so be discerning.

As far as food goes in Cuba, your best bet is to go to a paladar, a privately run restaurant that serves excellent versions of classic Cuban dishes like roast pork, shredded beef, and suckling pig (the cuisine is pretty meat-forward). A note on cultural sensitivity: Many products that are widely available in the U.S. might not be in Cuba and even basic products often disappear from Cuban shops at short notice. Savor what's put on your plate and enjoy the often simple but tasty food.

How To Support And Respect The Cuban People

Staying in casas particulares and eating at paladares are just two ways that you can support the Cuban people on your trip. Consider taking a salsa class run by a local, buying locally made handicrafts, and whiling away the steamy nights sipping rum and listening to musicians put on a fabulous show. By patronizing local businesses, not only are you financially supporting the Cuban people, but you're also going to have an authentic Cuban experience.

We touched on the unavailability of some food items earlier, but shortages extend to many consumer products in Cuba. Bring everything you think you'll need for your trip, including medications. You may also want to bring a roll of toilet paper (glamorous, we know), as public bathrooms often don't have it. Power cuts are common; while they might be frustrating, remember that you're only there for a short time and, for Cubans, power cuts are infuriating, so keep your complaints to yourself. This goes for everything, really; if you're not prepared for some minor inconveniences, don't visit Cuba. If you want to take a memorable trip to a country steeped in history with a vibrant culture, stunning urban architecture, and beautiful natural landscapes, it'll all be worth it.

Read this next: The World's Best Places To Put On Your Travel Bucket List

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United States requires entry visa for foreigners who have previously traveled to Cuba

The measure is due to the fact that the island is on the controversial list of countries that, in the opinion of the u.s. authorities, sponsor terrorism..

Photo: Screenshot/Archive.

The Biden administration has decided to reactivate a discreet section related to the fact that Cuba is included in the list of countries that, in the opinion of the U.S. authorities, sponsor terrorist activities.

The issue is that foreign citizens who want to travel to the United States will have to request an entry visa if they have previously traveled to Cuba.

“If a traveler is found to have visited a country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, the traveler is no longer eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program and must apply for a visa to enter the United States,” the immigration services website warns .

Cuba was included in the controversial list on January 12, 2021 during the Donald Trump administration and has been kept there after the arrival to the White House of Democrat Joe Biden. This decision has been repeatedly criticized by Havana, which considers it baseless and politically motivated.

The new measure affects all countries that are included in the admission program known as ESTA , nations that normally do not represent an illegal immigration problem for the United States.

This situation was so little known that on September 9, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs saw the need to include the necessary information in an update of its travel to Cuba recommendations. The Spanish are one of the largest groups of European travelers to the island.

U.S. authorizes Cuban entrepreneurs to open U.S. bank accounts through Internet

Havana (Cuba). Photo: EFE/ Ernesto Mastrascusa.

The US removes Cuba from the list of “countries that do not fully cooperate with anti-terrorism efforts”.

Still from Uphill on the Hill. Courtesy of Belly of the Beast.

U.S. sanctions against Cuba: looking for answers in the belly of the beast

Cubans at the Versailles, Miami. Photo: San Diego Union Tribune.

Cuba ranks seventh among the countries with the largest number of Cuban nationals in the U.S., according to report

“Currently, it is necessary to obtain a U.S. visa to enter the United States if you have previously traveled to Cuba, presenting the ESTA not being enough. This visa must be requested at the Consulate General or Consular Section of the United States Embassy in your place of residence,” the Spanish Foreign Ministry explained .

“The foregoing is applicable even for trips made to Cuba and the United States separately and at different times. If you plan to travel to the United States after visiting Cuba, it is recommended to consult the instructions of the U.S. authorities by entering the word Cuba in the Search Help Topics section of the official website of the Department of Homeland Security,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain added.

Panama establishes exceptions for visas for Cubans in transit

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Do Britons travelling to the US really need a visa if they’ve visited Cuba?

All we know so far about the latest tightening of american economic sanctions against the caribbean’s largest island, article bookmarked.

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The vast majority of UK visitors to America enter through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation – Esta . This is the swift, cheap and easy online permit. But the US government insists that any visit to Cuba since 1 March 2011 disqualifies British holidaymakers from the Esta scheme.

Instead, they must spend $160 (£143) on a full visa – and attend an interview at the US Embassy in London or the Consulate-General in Belfast. The backlog for appointments is stretching for months.

Why is this happening and what are the consequences? These are the key questions and answers.

What’s the problem?

Sixty years ago, on 3 February 1962, the US introduced its first economic sanctions against Cuba. The emergence of a communist nation so close to American shores, combined with the seizing of US-owned property and infrastructure in Cuba, prompted the first round of sanctions to be introduced. These have gradually expanded to the tangle of Treasury regulations that bind US-Cuba dealings today.

In one of his last acts as US president, Donald Trump added Cuba to the American list of “state sponsors of terrorism” (SST). His successor, Joe Biden , has left the designation in place.

Effectively, the Americans are saying: if you were foolish enough to take a holiday in the Caribbean’s biggest and most beautiful island at any time over the past 11 years, you have written off the chance of smooth travel to the US. And, in future, travellers will have to decide between travel to Cuba or easy access to America.

But is there confusion over the date of travel?

Yes. The US State Department insists that the designation is backdated 11 years. In a statement, The Independent was told: “Any visit to an SST on or after March 1, 2011, even if the country was designated yesterday, renders the applicant ineligible for Esta.”

Confusingly, other official sources – including the American Embassy in Paris , and some travel agents – say the ban on using the Esta scheme applies only from 12 January 2021. This was when the outgoing president ranked Cuba alongside Iran, North Korea and Syria.

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) is also stating: “Passengers who have been in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 are not allowed to enter with an Esta authorisation.”

This may be working to some travellers’ advantage. In theory, any transatlantic airline will check travellers’ passports.

Anyone who is seeking to enter the US on an Esta, but who also has a stamp showing a visit to Cuba since 2011, should be turned away and treated as a “no show”. (It is the traveller’s responsibility to comply with all red tape, however barmy it may be.)

But because airlines tend to follow Iata rules, they may be letting through passengers who have visited between 2011 and 11 January 2021.

For several weeks The Independent has asked the US authorities to clarify these conflicting statements, but so far without success.

Meanwhile many UK travellers say they have successfully visited America despite evidence of a trip to Cuba in their passports.

I’ve been to Cuba since 2011 but when I applied for an Esta the country wasn’t mentioned?

This feature of the Esta system is causing yet more confusion and consternation. Unfortunately the omission of a check that you have not visited Cuba is overruled by that State Department rule: “Any visit to an SST … renders the applicant ineligible for Esta.”

How do you account for the many British holidaymakers who have been to Cuba in the past 11 years being allowed in to the US with an Esta?

First, the US does not have a database of foreigners who have visited Cuba (except the tiny number who entered from American airports). Anyone who was in Cuba in 2011 will certainly have a new passport by now, and many other people will have renewed.

Without a Cuban stamp as proof, it is difficult for the US authorities to know that the traveller has been there. I am obliged to point out that failing to declare a visit would breach the rules.

Next, if there is a Cuban stamp in the passport, at a busy airport the US Customs & Border Protection official may not have time to go through every page to try to spot it.

Third, there is some anecdotal evidence that officers are either turning a blind eye or, when they notice the stamp, saying that the traveller will be admitted this time but must apply for a visa in future.

I am only changing planes in the US. Does the new rule apply to me?

Yes. Unlike the vast majority of the world’s nations, the US requires transit passengers to be legally admitted to the country – even if they are simply changing planes in a couple of hours. So people with connections to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America are required to have either an Esta or a US visa.

Is Cuba really a state sponsor of terrorism?

The classification applies to nations that have “repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism”.

The State Department says: “For decades, the Cuban government has fed, housed, and provided medical care for murderers, bombmakers, and hijackers, while many Cubans go hungry, homeless, and without basic medicine.”

Yet compared with many other countries in the world, for example Russia, Cuba looks relatively benign.

What does the travel industry say?

It’s appalled that British travellers should be entangled by Washington DC’s loathing of the regime in Havana.

The chief executive of the Latin American Travel Association (Lata), Danny Callaghan, said: “Whilst this will have some small impact on tourism to the US, the far bigger impact will be for Cuba and its beleaguered tourism economy, struggling to recover even before Hurricane Ian swept across the island.

“Many Lata members sell Cuba as part of their portfolio, and I would urge travellers to still continue to travel to the island and just forget about going to the US, at least until they see sense and overturn this nonsensical Trump legacy.

“There are also plenty of alternatives to accessing Latin America without transiting through the US.”

Will the rule change any time soon?

I fully expected Joe Biden to quickly reverse a Donald Trump decision that made out of spite. But 21 months on from taking over in the White House, the anti-Cuba rhetoric continues.

Ned Price, a US State Department spokesperson, said in September : “Our policy has been predicated on the interests of the Cuban people, on the aspirations for greater freedom, greater democracy on the part of the Cuban people.”

He was asked directly: “Is the administration’s position that Cuba still meets the legal requirements to be a state sponsor of terror?”

Mr Price replied: “The fact pattern that led a previous administration to designate Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism is in the public record.”

In other words, no change is anticipated soon.

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Biden Moves to Open U.S. Banks to Cuba’s Private Sector

The rules will allow Cuban entrepreneurs to open bank accounts in the United States, making it easier for them to expand and encouraging other Cubans to start businesses.

Two people cut wood using a circular saw. A sliver of sunlight hits one of them in the back.

By David C. Adams

The Biden administration, in a major move to support Cuba’s expanding private sector, announced on Tuesday new regulations allowing Cuban entrepreneurs on the island to open bank accounts in the United States for the first time and to make remote online transactions.

The loosening of banking rules could help entrepreneurs to grow and encourage more Cubans to start small businesses, Biden administration officials said, and is meant to help support Cubans facing hardship amid the country’s economic crisis.

Until now, as part of the strict economic embargo the United States has long maintained against Cuba, private owners could not access U.S. banks and have largely had to rely on cash remittances from relatives in the United States to finance their businesses.

The U.S. Treasury Department said the new rules applied only to “independent private sector entrepreneurs” who had no connection to the Cuban Communist Party, the military, members of the Cuban National Assembly, or anyone on a list of officials sanctioned by the United States.

The Cuban government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a major reversal that came decades after Cuba’s revolutionary leaders nationalized the economy and outlawed private companies in the 1960s, the Cuban government in 2021 authorized the establishment of small- and medium-size private businesses.

Since then, those enterprises have significantly grown, importing roughly the same amount of goods last year as the Cuban government, according to Cuban officials.

Cuban economists estimate that the private sector now accounts for nearly a third of all employment on the communist-run island, with more than 11,000 licenses issued for private companies. Each private business is allowed to hire a maximum of 100 employees.

Under the new banking regulations independent Cuban private sector entrepreneurs will be able “to maintain and use a U.S. bank account to conduct authorized or exempt transactions,” according to an announcement by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

The announcement also removes a ban on cloud-based communications services over the internet such as videoconferencing, e-gaming and e-learning platforms, as well as remote data storage.

The new rules will also make remittances to Cuba easier by reversing a measure imposed by the Trump administration that prohibited U.S. banks from processing transactions involving Cuba by sending money to banks in third countries that would then transfer over the funds.

Younger Cubans prefer earning private sector wages instead of working for the state, said one senior administration official who briefed reporters on Tuesday and spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic relations.

A class of independent business leaders is rising, the official added, and, in an ironic twist, the communist government is relying on private businesses to provide food and other basic necessities.

The Biden administration said it believed the measures were needed in part because of the dire economic conditions in Cuba that have led more than 500,000 Cubans to leave the country in the last two years, a vast majority of them bound for the United States.

The official said the private sector was serving as a life preserver for many Cuban people.

The United States still places many other restrictions on Cuba, including travel to the island. While the Obama administration had largely opened Cuba to U.S. visitors, some of those restrictions were put back in place under former President Donald J. Trump, limiting American tourism.

The announcement was met with surprise and praise by some Cuban private sector owners and their supporters in the United States.

“This announcement is very positive for the Cuban private sector, since it allows it to legally operate its payments collections in the U.S.,” said Aldo Alvarez, a lawyer based in Havana who runs a private food wholesale business.

The regulations were originally floated last year, but the administration backed away after a backlash from some Cuban Americans, including lawmakers, in South Florida. They argued that the Cuban government’s move to legalize private businesses was a ruse by communist leaders to ride out the economic crisis and cling to power.

Representative Maria Elvira Salazar, a Cuban American Republican representing a South Florida district that includes part of Miami, responded that the Biden administration measures ignored the human rights situation in Cuba.

“This would make a mockery of American law, considering no progress has been made toward freedom on the Island and repression has intensified,” Ms. Salazar posted on X .

But other Cuban leaders in South Florida lauded the action.

“I congratulate the Biden administration for its commitment to civil society, and this economic engine that is helping transform the lives of millions of individual Cubans,” said Joe Garcia, a Cuban American from Miami and a former United States representative who is at the forefront of promoting the private sector in Cuba.

Cuba policy experts say the measures could be a game changer for Cuban entrepreneurs who have had to resort to financial triangulations, like remittances, to pay for imports they need to run their businesses. They include a wide array of enterprises, including supermarkets, restaurants bars, warehouses and tech companies.

A large part of their business relies on Cuban exiles who make purchases online for relatives on the island, or send cash remittances.

It remains unclear, however, how eager U.S. banks will be to do business in Cuba.

The country faces some of the toughest U.S. economic sanctions in the world, including being designated as a “state sponsor of terrorism.”

Cuba experts said that could give banks reason to pause before opening accounts under the new regulations.

Pedro A. Freyre, a lawyer and chairman of international practice at a major law firm in Miami, said the terrorism designation “has a chilling effect and banks engage in overcompliance.”

“But the new regulations will provide more clarity regarding the private sector,” he added. “Until now we’ve been stumbling in the dark.”

Inside the Biden Administration

Here’s the latest news and analysis from washington..

War in Ukraine: President Biden, in a major shift pressed by his advisers and key allies, has authorized Ukraine to conduct limited strikes inside Russia with American-made weapons .

Farm Subsidies: The Department of Agriculture aims to better support small farmers while still aiding big operations and rewarding climate-friendly practices. It’s a tall order .

Carbon Offsets: The Biden administration laid out for the first time a set of broad government guidelines around the use of carbon offsets in an attempt to shore up confidence in the much-criticized method for tackling global warming.

Live Nation: The Justice Department is suing Live Nation Entertainment , the owner of Ticketmaster, asking a court to break up the company over claims it illegally maintained a monopoly in the live entertainment industry.

Hidden Fees: Biden’s effort to crack down on “junk fees” from airlines and credit-card companies is doubling as a war against inflation.

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Reporting by Matt Spetalnick and Daphne Psaledakis in Washington, and Dave Sherwood in Havana; additional reporting by Susan Heavey and Nelson Acosta; editing by Doina Chiacu, Jonathan Oatis and David Gregorio

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Daphne Psaledakis is a foreign policy correspondent based in Washington, D.C., where she covers U.S. sanctions, Africa and the State Department. She has covered the rollout of U.S. sanctions on Russia after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, Washington’s efforts to enforce its sanctions and the U.S. response to the conflict in Ethiopia, among other issues. She previously covered European Union politics and energy and climate policy for Reuters in Brussels as part of an Overseas Press Club Foundation fellowship in 2019. Daphne holds a Bachelor of Journalism in Print and Digital News and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.

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IMAGES

Can Us Citizens Travel To Cuba
Can Us Citizens Travel To Cuba
Can US Citizens Travel to Cuba
Can Us Citizens Travel To Cuba
Can US Citizens Travel to Cuba? Exploring the Pros and Cons
Legal Travel to Cuba: Best Cuba Tours for US Citizens 2021

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Americans can now travel to Cuba without any problems 🇺🇸🇨🇺
EVERYTHING you need to know about your CUBA VISA for 2020 || Trumps Travel Ban || Tips & Customs
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COMMENTS

The rules for Americans visiting Cuba in 2022
The 12 categories of travel licenses for US citizens. US law states that US citizens can only travel to Cuba on a 'general license' based on one of 12 different approved categories, which include family visits, educational and religious activities, public performances and exhibitions, and the vague sounding 'support for the Cuban people.'Licenses are self-qualifying (there's no long ...
Traveling to Cuba
Dual Citizens. All U.S.-Cuban dual citizens should note that the Government of Cuba treats U.S. citizens born in Cuba as Cuban citizens and may subject them to a range of restrictions and obligations. The Cuban government requires U.S.-Cuban dual citizens to enter and depart Cuba using a Cuban passport.
Can Americans Travel To Cuba? [2024 Legal Travel Guide]
American Travel to Cuba. The short answer to the question "can Americans travel to Cuba" is YES, American citizens can travel to Cuba. Non-U.S. citizens are allowed to travel to Cuba via the United States as well. American citizens can fly from the United States directly to Cuba, travel independently (no need for a group trip or guided trip ...
Cuba International Travel Information
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
Is it Legal for U.S. Citizens to Travel to Cuba?
U.S. law states that those who want to go to Cuba need to qualify for a "general license" based on one of 12 approved categories. The 12 categories currently authorized by U.S. government, for travel to Cuba are: Family visits. Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations.
Entry to Cuba: Visas & Travel Requirements · Visit Cuba
For most European citizens, a valid passport is required during your stay in Cuba. Some countries, like Spain, require the passport to be valid for at least 6 months. It's also important to note that if you plan to travel to the United States after visiting Cuba, you'll need a visa. This is because the electronic system for travel authorization ...
Cuba Travel Advisory
Travel Advisory. January 5, 2024. Cuba - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. C. Reissued with updates to crime information. Exercise increased caution in Cuba due to crime. Country Summary: Petty crime is a threat for tourists in Cuba. Also, violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, sometimes occurs in Cuba.
Everything you need to know about traveling legally to Cuba
Despite recent bans on cruise liners and 'people-to-people' trips, US citizens can still apply for a 'general license' to travel to Cuba under 11 different categories listed by the US Department of the Treasury. These range from public performances to athletic competitions to humanitarian projects. Independent travelers with no specific ...
20 things to know before going to Cuba
To enter Cuba, all visitors need to present a completed tourist card. It's usually available through your airline (ask when booking) and included in the price of your ticket. If not, you can purchase one through a Cuban travel agency. Costs range from US$50 to US$85. Citizens of 20 African and Asian countries require a formal visa to enter Cuba.
Travel to Cuba: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book
Thursday April 1 2021. ... recommending U.S. citizens not travel to Cuba due to Covid-19 health and safety concerns. ... required for anyone traveling by air to the United States, including U.S ...
Can Americans Travel to Cuba? A Decoded Guide
Havana, Cuba. The short answer here is no. It is still illegal for Americans to vacation in Cuba. However, there are two ways for Americans to travel to Cuba legally. If you qualify or book a trip to Cuba in one of these two ways, then you will be traveling to Cuba legally as an American. Support for the People Tour: This is the most popular ...
Thought you couldn't legally tour Cuba as an American? You can ...
Despite recent restrictions imposed by the US government, Americans can travel to Cuba if their trips falls into one of 12 categories, including "Support for the Cuban People."
Beyond the Ban: A Guide to Americans Visiting Cuba in 2024.
Tour Republic January 29, 2024. If you are a US citizen, you can still visit Cuba in 2024. However, unlike your neighbors traveling from Canada, you will be subject to specific regulations from the US government. For example, doing "tourism," like staying at a resort on a Cuban beach, isn't allowed. Your trip must fall into one of 12 ...
Travel to Cuba: 10 expert tips
Although American tourism to Cuba is still technically forbidden under the embargo, American citizens can legally enter Cuba using one of 12 travel exceptions regulated by the U.S. State Department.
Travel To Cuba With A US Passport: 2024 Rules
US travelers to Cuba must declare a travel category before departure. There are twelve categories to choose from and Americans can visit Cuba independently with most of them. (You can find a full outline in our guide to Everything You Need to Know About Cuba Travel.). The bottom line is the travel category is self-declared. There's no application process or physical license that travelers ...
Legal Travel to Cuba Explained: How to Visit Cuba in 2024
Legal Cuba travel essentials for US citizens and residents. Read the Ultimate Cuba Travel Guide, a summary of nearly three decades of Cuba travel tips and advice. All visitors require a passport, valid for one week beyond your Cuba stay. Cuba travelers require a Cuba entry visa. Purchase a Cuban Visitor Visa online now.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
The U.S. Department of State designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) on January 12, 2021. With limited exceptions, a traveler who is found to have visited Cuba on or after this date is not eligible for travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and must apply for a visa to ...
How to travel to Cuba from the US
Yes, you can book a flight as long as your itinerary complies with one of the 12 categories of authorized travel. Airlines such as JetBlue and Delta provide a service to Cuba while remaining in compliance with the new policies, and both commercial flights will still be permitted to travel to the island. As of 5 th June 2019, it is no longer ...
Can Europeans travel to the US if you have been to Cuba?
In October 2022, the US Government started enforcing the restriction on people who have travelled to Cuba since 12th January 2021. These travellers are no longer eligible to apply for the ESTA Visa Waiver programme, and need to apply for a US visitor's visa (B1/B2) via their nearest US Embassy. According to the US Department of Homeland ...
As an American can I visit Cuba? : r/travel
The United States Department of State most recently designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism on January 12, 2021. If a traveler is found to have visited a country designated as State Sponsor of Terrorism, the traveler is no longer eligible to participate in the Visa Wavier Program and must apply for a visa to enter the United States.
What You Need To Be Aware Of As A Tourist Visiting Cuba
However, the U.S. imposed restrictions on travel to Cuba in 1963 and while the level of restrictions has varied over the years, as of July 2023, Americans can't visit Cuba purely for tourism purposes.
Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2024? Yes!
Hire a modern travel agent with ViaHero. Can Americans Travel to Cuba in 2024? Yes! Let's be clear: despite the new restrictions introduced by President Trump in June 2019, it is still 100% legal for Americans to travel to Cuba. For more information on the recent changes, see this Cuba travel policy update.
United States requires entry visa for foreigners who have previously
The Biden administration has decided to reactivate a discreet section related to the fact that Cuba is included in the list of countries that, in the opinion of the U.S. authorities, sponsor terrorist activities.. The issue is that foreign citizens who want to travel to the United States will have to request an entry visa if they have previously traveled to Cuba.
Do Brits travelling to the US really need a visa if they've visited Cuba?
But the US government insists that any visit to Cuba since 1 March 2011 disqualifies British holidaymakers from the Esta scheme. Instead, they must spend $160 (£143) on a full visa - and attend ...
Biden administration eases some economic restrictions on Cuba
After illegal border crossings to the United States surged in 2021 and 2022, the Biden administration expanded opportunities for Cuban migrants and asylum seekers to enter the country legally.
Biden Moves to Open U.S. Banks to Cuba's Private Sector
The official said the private sector was serving as a life preserver for many Cuban people. The United States still places many other restrictions on Cuba, including travel to the island.
US announces measures to give Cuban small business a boost
The U.S. said it would permit small entrepreneurs on the Communist-run island to open and access U.S. bank accounts from Cuba for the first time in decades, following prohibitions put in place ...
Best Covid-19 Travel Insurance Plans Of 2024
Best Covid Travel Insurance Policies. Travel Insured - Worldwide Trip Protector. WorldTrips - Atlas Journey Premier/Atlas Journey Preferred. Seven Corners - Trip Protection Choice/Trip ...
Kentucky storm damage: 5 killed in tornado, severe weather
0:45. At least five people have died across Kentucky following two tornadoes and other severe weather on Sunday that damaged property and left tens of thousands without power. At 12:12 a.m. Monday ...

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? [2024 Legal Cuba Travel Guide]

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20 things to know before visiting Cuba

1. Double-check your insurance

2. Fill out your passenger information in advance

3. Every visitor needs a tourist card

4. Cash and currency: it’s complicated!

5. MLC is a currency with no cash form

6. Only some credit cards will work

7. Pack your favorite casual clothes – and men need a shirt

8. Cuban Spanish is fast and often informal

9. Cuban cities are where the streets have two names

10. Understand the local art of queueing

11. Ask questions more than once

12. Bring something to keep you warm on a cold bus journey

13. Cuba is considered a safe place to travel

14. Solo female travelers report receiving unwanted attention

15. Beware of forgeries

16. Bring your own medicines

17. Avoid dodgy cigars

18. Driving is not as easy as you think

19. Bring toilet paper and sanitary products

20. Don’t drink the water

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